The Vegan Compass Podcast

In this episode of The Vegan Compass, co-hosts Mackenzie and Ric sit down with Amanda, Campaign Manager at AnimalKIND and Founder of Brisbane Animal Save. Amanda shares her nearly eight years of experience in the animal rights movement, developing impactful campaigns, conducting high-risk investigations, and driving community outreach efforts to expose animal abuse and exploitation. Her exceptional dedication has earned her the prestigious 2021 Animal Justice Foundation Award for Outstanding Activism and accolades for her video work at the International Vegan Film Festival.

Episode Highlights:

Amanda’s journey: Amanda’s backstory and how her move from WA to QLD led her into activism.

AnimalKIND’s mission: The evolution from Animal Liberation Queensland to AnimalKIND and the strategic decision behind the name change.

Imogen’s story: How one pig’s story of suffering became a catalyst for groundbreaking campaigns.

Feedlots and rodeos: Exploring AnimalKIND’s current campaigns to expose feedlot conditions and put an end to rodeos.

Challenges of investigative work: Insights into the risks and pressures of exposing animal exploitation.

Mental health in advocacy: How Amanda manages the emotional toll of ongoing exposure to animal abuse.

Political advocacy: Amanda’s recent experience running as a Greens candidate in the Queensland state election.

Connect with Amanda and AnimalKIND:

Media Coverage: https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/news/a-grim-reality-behind-australias-beef-industry-has-been-revealed/news-story/3dd297f864ab2111e6ea7de2b2d79941

Website: https://animalkind.org.au/

Instagram: @animalkindaus https://www.instagram.com/animalkindaus/

Email: [email protected]

Brisbane Animal Save: @brisbaneanimalsave https://www.instagram.com/brisbaneanimalsave/

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Welcome back to 'News of the week' with The Vegan Compass Podcast!

We’ve got a pretty packed show, with everything from victories in animal rights to some really heartbreaking news. We’re here to guide you through it all.

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In this episode of The Vegan Compass, co-hosts Mackenzie and Ric are joined by Bruce Poon, President of both the Animal Justice Party (AJP) and the Animal Justice Foundation (AJF). Bruce shares insights from his dual expertise in these areas, highlighting the potential for politics and finance as powerful tools for driving systemic change for animals.

With a background as a consulting Project Manager and CEO in the InfoTech sector, Bruce has founded and directed multiple for-profit and not-for-profit organisations. Since 2012, he has been a key figure in the AJP, serving as Victorian Convenor, Parliamentary Adviser, Board Member, and President. In addition, Bruce leads the AJF, a forward-thinking charity dedicated to providing long-term funding for impactful animal justice initiatives.

Episode Highlights:

Learn about Bruce’s path to veganism and the inspiration for his involvement with the AJP.

Bruce explains why the Australian political system is a powerful platform for animal advocacy, addresses misconceptions about the AJP being a "single-issue" party, and shares the party's key accomplishments and challenges.

Discover the mission of the AJF, how it stands out within the animal rights movement, and the significance of the annual Animal Justice Awards, including grants and recognition for outstanding advocates.

Key Takeaways:

Politics and finance provide a crucial element in building a sustainable and effective animal justice movement.

The AJP’s achievements demonstrate the power of a focused political voice for animals.

Long-term funding through initiatives like the AJF is essential to support ongoing animal advocacy.

Connect with AJP and AJF:

Animal Justice Party:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Animal Justice Foundation:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

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We are back with another ‘News of the week’ episode! This is where we take you through the latest in animal rights, plant-based living, and sustainability news. 

In this episode, The Vegan Compass co-hosts Mackenzie and Ric present this weeks vegan news headlines:

Can AI improve plant-based meats?

Vegan diet reduced grocery bill by 20 per cent

Man who tossed chicken to wildlife park alligators sentenced

Demand for vegan options at events rises by 280 per cent sparking a plant-based Christmas boom

Bene Meat lab grown cultivated meat pet food

Extinction of slender-billed curlew must be a wake-up call

Gorilla Death at  Calgary Zoo

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In this episode, The Vegan Compass co-hosts Mackenzie and Ric sit down with Sarah Warner, founder of the new charity Growing Plant-Based to discuss raising healthy, happy, vegan kids.

With over 8-years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Sarah has worked within three influential organisations across animal protection, accelerating markets for alternative proteins, and revolutionising health through plant-based nutrition.

She has covered a range of roles across organisational leadership and strategy, financial management, project management, business development and people & culture; as well as being pivotal to the start-up of two of the not-for-profits she has worked for prior to founding Growing Plant-Based.

Sarah’s most valuable experience comes from becoming a mother to twins in 2021, who have been her inspiration for creating a healthy, sustainable and compassionate world by helping to make plant-based nutrition and vegan lifestyles accessible, enjoyable and nourishing for families.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Business and Commerce (BBus&Com) from Monash University and holds a Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition through eCornell University.

Episode Highlights:

- Learn about Sarah’s path to veganism and what inspired her to raise her children vegan

- Sarah shares the challenges she’s faced, and the joys of creating a compassionate lifestyle for her family.

- How Sarah’s friends and family responded to her choice and how she gained the confidence to raise vegan kids.

- Discover the inspiration behind Sarah’s new charity, Growing Plant-Based, and how it supports families in embracing plant-based.

- Hear Sarah’s vision for Growing Plant-Based and how the community can get involved to help make vegan living accessible and nourishing for all families.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion that’s perfect for parents, aspiring vegans, and anyone interested in creating a kinder world for the next generation!

Links to follow up:

Learn more about Growing Plant-Based 

https://www.growingplantbased.org/

Instagram @growingplantbased

Follow us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thevegancompass_podcast/

Like us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559210347948

Watch The Vegan Compass Podcast on YouTube.

www.youtube.com/@TheVeganCompass/videos

Listen to The Vegan Compass Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vegan-compass-podcast/id1778348246

It’s here – the ‘News of the week’ episode! This is where we share the news headlines that cover animal issues, veganism, environmentalism and everything relating to our movement so you can stay up to date.

In this episode, The Vegan Compass co-hosts Mackenzie and Ric present this weeks vegan news headlines:

Follow us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thevegancompass_podcast/

Like us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559210347948

Watch The Vegan Compass Podcast on YouTube.

www.youtube.com/@TheVeganCompass/videos

Listen to The Vegan Compass Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vegan-compass-podcast/id1778348246

In this episode, The Vegan Compass co-hosts Mackenzie and Ric sit down with vegan psychologist Ayanthi De Silva to discuss the mental health challenges and resilience strategies within the animal rights movement. 

Ayanthi uncovered the atrocities of animal exploitation starting from childhood. A school assignment on fur farming in China and witnessing the torture endured by Australian cattle live exported to Egypt as a teenager compelled her to set the intention to one day live vegan. After twelve years of vegetarianism, Ayanthi decided to watch the documentary Dominion and become a dedicated animal rights activist. 

Ayanthi is a psychologist providing individual therapy for adults with diverse mental health issues. She previously worked in a community service helping people with diagnoses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder transition out of psychiatric facilities and into community housing. 

With a foot deeply embedded in both animal liberation and mental health movements, Ayanthi is conscious of the importance of self-care and mitigating burnout for the sustainability of change makers. 

Episode Highlights:

Ayanthi's Path to Psychology and Activism: Learn about Ayanthi’s background in mental health and how her teenage years set her on a path to animal advocacy.

Cultural Context & Personal Growth: How Ayanthi's journey into vegetarianism and eventual transition to veganism challenged family dynamics and cultural norms.

Influence of Dominion: The powerful impact of witnessing a vegan demonstration and watching Dominion, which solidified her decision to go vegan.

Graphic Imagery in Activism: Ayanthi examines the psychological impact of graphic content in animal rights campaigns, referencing a study on its effectiveness.

Mental Health Tips for Activists: Guidance on managing activism-related mental health issues, such as burnout, guilt, and secondary trauma, while fostering resilience.

Balancing Activism with Self-Care: Strategies for maintaining mental well-being, balancing activism intensity, and staying engaged for the long term.

Building Stronger Communities: Insights on fostering a supportive activist community and setting realistic goals to encourage sustainable involvement.

Addressing Misconceptions and Criticisms: Ayanthi shares her thoughts on navigating public perceptions of animal rights activists and making critiques a source of pride.

Join us as we explore the intersection of psychology and animal rights activism with Ayanthi, gaining valuable perspectives on sustaining long-term involvement in the movement while nurturing mental health.

Links to follow up:

Study–Images That Liberate: Moral Shock and Strategic Visual Communication in Animal Liberation Activism (Fernandez, 2020)

Writer Ayanthi referenced - Clementine Morrigan. Instagram @clementinemorrigan

Summary produced by Faunalytics. https://faunalytics.org/how-moral-shock-makes-an-impression/

The Empowered Activist - A book for animal advocates to help you balance your passion with self-care. Purchase your copy at https://www.amazon.com.au/Empowered-Activist-Richard-Allport

Follow us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thevegancompass_podcast/

Like us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559210347948

Watch The Vegan Compass Podcast on YouTube.

www.youtube.com/@TheVeganCompass/videos

Listen to The Vegan Compass Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vegan-compass-podcast/id1778348246

Welcome to our first ‘News of the week’ episode. This is where we share the news headlines that cover animal issues, veganism, environmentalism and everything relating to our movement so you can stay up to date.

In this episode, Mackenzie presents this weeks vegan news headlines:

Victorian Government Culled 30,000 Ducks Using Firefighting Foam Amid Bird-Flu Outbreak https://shiawaves.com/english/news/world/australia/114064-victorian-government-culled-30000-ducks-using-firefighting-foam-amid-bird-flu-outbreak-sparking-outrage/ 

NSW Housing Development Koala Deaths https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/13/nsw-housing-development-koala-deaths-appin-road-campbelltown

Walker Stumbles Across Nightmare Scene in Aussie Bush https://au.news.yahoo.com/walker-stumbles-across-nightmare-scene-in-aussie-bush-055218331.html

Common Grasses Pose Hidden Dangers for Pet Owners this Summer, Vets Warn https://7news.com.au/news/common-grasses-pose-hidden-dangers-for-pet-owners-this-summer-vets-warn-c-16685194

Plant-Based Proteins. Meeting Daily Requirements Without Meat https://www.luxurylifestylemag.co.uk/food-and-drink/plant-based-proteins-meeting-daily-requirements-without-meat/ 

Follow us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thevegancompass_podcast/

Like us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559210347948

Watch The Vegan Compass Podcast on YouTube.

www.youtube.com/@TheVeganCompass/videos

Listen to The Vegan Compass Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vegan-compass-podcast/id1778348246

Welcome to The Vegan Compass podcast–your go-to podcast for inspiring guests and the latest vegan news.

Your co-hosts, Ric Allport and Mackenzie Cross, are long-term vegans with a deep passion to propel forward the vegan movement.

In this episode, Ric and Mackenzie discuss:

How they met back in 2019

Who they are and what they do

What inspired them to make a podcast

The meaning behind the name of the podcast

What the podcast is about

Links to follow up:

Watch The Vegan Compass Podcast on YouTube.

www.youtube.com/@TheVeganCompass

Listen to The Vegan Compass Podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vegan-compass-podcast/id1778348246

Animal Justice Foundation www.animaljusticefoundation.org 

Instagram @animaljusticefoundation

Kangaroos Alive - World Kangaroo Day www.kangaroosalive.org/ Instagram @kangaroosalive

The Empowered Activist - A book for animal advocates to help you balance your passion with self-care. Purchase your copy at https://www.amazon.com.au/Empowered-Activist-Richard-Allport

Total Ethics Media and Marketing - www.totalethics.com.au/ Instagram @total.ethics.socials

Growing Plant-Based - www.growingplantbased.org/ Instagram @growingplantbased